Royal Visit to Lancaster and the Projectile Factory
on Caton Road and National Filling Factory at White Lund, May 1917.

From the 19th May 1917 – Lancaster Guardian

The Royal Visit - King and Queen At
Lancaster
Inspection of Munition Works - Enthusiastic Receptions

Continuing their tour of the industrial centres of the North-Western
Counties, the King and Queen paid a brief visit to Lancaster on
Wednesday afternoon. The visit was not altogether of a public character,
the object being an inspection of the great munition works which have
been brought into existence in the neighbourhood during the last two
years. Hence there was no public holiday, but the visit coincided with
the tradesmen’s half-holiday, the schools were closed, and employers of
labour readily gave their employees an opportunity of participating in
the enthusiastic welcome accorded to the Royal visitors. There was a
large number of visitors from the country and throughout the afternoon
the streets presented busy scenes. The day was brilliantly fine, in the
afternoon almost summer-like, and the main thoroughfares were lined with
interested crowds of men, women and children, who cheered lustily as the
Royal procession passed. There was no sign of the industrial unrest
which had caused so much uneasiness for more than a week, and
satisfaction was expressed on all sides at the fact that the engineers
had returned to work prior to the visit. There were no civic functions
and the decorations were, with few exceptions, confined to the
thoroughfares along which the Royal cortege passed en route to the
National Works. Market Street and Cheapside were a blaze of colour,
there being hardly a shop without its display of flags. Union Jacks were
used in most cases while the Royal Standard floated from the battlements
of the ancient Castle, and at various points strings of banners were
suspended across the streets. Traffic along the route followed by the
procession was suspended shortly after three o’clock, admirable
arrangements for the successful carrying out of the programme having
been made by Chief Constable Harriss, in conjunction with Mr H P P Lane,
(Chief Constable of the County) and Supt. Scott. In the Borough the
ordinary Police Force had the assistance of about 130 special constables
and also a detachment of military police; whilst in the County members
of the constabulary also had the help of a large number of special
constables. There was no friction, and everything passed off without a
hitch, the visit being from first to last a complete success.

Arrival and Reception

The Royal train, by which their Majesties travelled from Manchester, was
timed to arrive at Lancaster at 3.20 pm, and long before that hour
crowds of people had assembled in the vicinity of the Castle Station;
whilst on the platform of the station was grouped a privileged few,
mostly those who had been selected for presentation to their Majesties,
railway officials, etc. The train was punctual, and the King and Queen
on alighting were received by Sir William Scott Barrett, Constable of
the Castle, acting on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant (Lord Shuttleworth),
who is ill. His Majesty wore the undress uniform of a field marshal of
the British Army, while the Queen was attired in a costume of navy blue,
with three-quarter length braided coat, and wore a toque trimmed with
pink and maurve rose. Her Majesty wore a red Lancaster rose as a
button-hole. The Constable of the Castle formally presented his daughter
(Miss Constance Scott Barrett) and also the Mayor and Mayoress of
Lancaster (Councillor and Mrs William Briggs), the Queen graciously
accepting from the latter a handsome bouqet of red Lancaster roses
(supplied by Mr Osborne). Other presentations were: The Town Clerk of
Lancaster (Mr T Cann Hughes), Mr and Mrs W Garnett, Mr and Mrs P J
Hibbart, Mr and Mrs H L Storey, Sir Harcourt E Clare, Mrs H P P Lane,
Mrs Trubshaw (Preston) Colonel Cooper CMG (Preston), Mr C E Harriss
(Chief Constable of Lancaster), the Mayor and Mayoress of Morecambe
(Councillor and Mrs John Birkett), and the Mayor of Lancaster presented
as representatives of Labour in the Borough, Councillor H Jemmison
(President of the Trades and Labour Council) and Mr James Hodkinson,
with whom their Majesties chatted regarding the work of the War
Committees with which they are associated as representatives of Labour.

There was no demonstration on the platform of the Station, but when
their Majesties emerged to take their seats in the waiting motor car a
loud burst of cheering arose from the assembled crowd. Small flags,
hats, and handkerchiefs were waved, and everywhere the greatest
enthusiasm was manifested, the King and Queen both repeatedly bowing
their acknowledgements of the reception accorded them. With Chief
Constable as pilot, the Royal cortege proceeded by way of Meeting House
Lane, Market Street, Cheapside, North Road, Parliament Street, and the
new road, to The National Factory. All along the route on both sides was
lined by loyal townspeople, who cheered lustily as the car passed. The
employees of Messrs. Waring and Gillow were massed in front of the
works, and sang a verse of the National Anthem, finishing with a hearty
burst of cheering. The sloping field opposite the entrance to the works
– now christened Tunrbull Park – proved a vantage ground for several
hundred enthusiastic loyalists. In accordance with arrangements made by
Chief Constable Harriss the children of the elementary schools were
located here and had an excellent opportunity of witnessing at least
past of the proceedings. Many of them carried small flags, which
fluttered in the breeze, providing the most picturesque scene supplied
by the visit.

The Projectile Works

Though the month of May can never be merry in war time, there was
something in the balmy air which drove dull care away while the throng
of loyal Lancastrians awaited the arrival of their King and Queen
alongside the National Factory in Caton Road. The Deputy Chief Constable
of the County (Captain Trubshaw) heralded the fine motor car containing
their Majesties, whose approach to the works was the signal for an
outburst of cheering, culminating in the singing of the National Anthem
when the car stopped, and the King and his Consort alighted. The crowd
in Turnbull Park, including many who had been on “nightshift” were most
respectfully, and the special constables were really privileged
spectators with little to do but look on. Many of them would have been
on the golf course in “piping times of peace!”

The exterior of the works was spick and span with a liberal display of
bunting.

In attendance upon the King and Queen were: Lady Ampthill (Lady in
Waiting), Commander Sir Charles Cust, Lieutenant General Clive Wigram,
Earl Cromer; Sir W Scott Barrett, Bart (Constable of the Castle),
Colonel Cooper, The Mayor and Mayoress of Lancaster ( Councillor and Mrs
William Briggs); and ______ of representatives of Messrs. Vickers
_______. Their Majesties were received by Sir Trevor Dawson, (deputy
chairman of Vickers, Ltd. And Mrs James McKechnie, (director of Vickers,
Ltd) who is specially responsible for their works in this district.

His Majesty quickly noticed in the entrance ex-Sergeant J Browning
wearing the Afghan and long service medals for honourable association
with the King’s Own. He is an uncle of Lieutenant Leach VC and has lost
two sons and a brother in law in the war, while two other sons have been
wounded.

Miss Josn Lawrence, the sweet ten years old daughter of the
Superintendent, dressed in white muslin, beautifully embroidered, and
with pink sash, and a hat trimmed with pink daises, stepped forward and
presented the Queen with a bouquet of red carnations (supplied by Mr
Osborne), with composure reciting the greeting “Welcome to your Majesty.
This is from the forewomen and charge hands.” Her Majesty generously
accepted the gift, and the perambulation of the huge works followed.

It is interesting to note that the National Projectile Factory is one of
the largest in the kingdom. Messrs. Vickers, Limited, were approached in
the summer of 1915 to undertake the erection, equipment and control of
this particular factory and the site was chosen and the arrangements of
building made with special regard to facility in transport. It was also
determined thus early to do everything from the mechanical point of view
in order that women labour should be utilised to the fullest extent even
though large shells were to be manufactured. This advantage accrued from
the admirable character of the crane and other handling appliances. It
was in early autumn of 1915 that farm land was taken over, the ground
cleared, deep and well-secured foundations made to carry the heavy
machinery, and the immense and well arranged machine shops were erected.
A record was established. Within six months there began a flow of
“supplies” and this has been maintained with increasing volume. The
remarkable performance of building such a factory in such a short time
will be better appreciated when it is stated that the total area of the
factory is over 37 acres, and that more than one third of this is
covered by buildings. Thousands of tons of steel were required for the
buildings. There are eleven acres of glass roofing and sides, 2,225,000
bricks were utilised for part walls and part foundations in addition to
23,000 tons of ballast and sand for concrete work.

The great wide bays of which the factory is composed, if built end to
end would stretch two miles. Some of the bays are 925 feet long. The
works are self contained in this respect that the whole of the power
required is generated in a new power station. The total power of the
machinery installed in this section is about 6,000 h.p., and is utilised
for generating electricity for running machinery and lighting the
factory, pressure water for the large hydraulic presses required in
forging the “goods”, and air pressure for other purposes. Of the large
army of workers, three quarters are females, and every convenience has
been arranged in the way of canteens and Rest rooms for the welfare not
only for the women, but for the men workers.

Proceeding down the steps, the Royal visitors first inspected the 6 inch
bay, and several more officials were presented while employees struck up
the National Anthem. The presentation at this and later stages included
the following members of staff:-

His Majesty entered into conversation with ex-Inspector Lynn, of the
Lancashire Constabulary, who is one of the works police, and has 43
years service. Flags were hanging from various points of vantage in the
huge bays, and frequently groups of girls were ready with bannerettes to
give vent to their loyal feelings. One modest young lady had written on
a time board “God Bless our Queen”. The King inquired from the forewomen
whether they like their work and they answered in the affirmative.
Another bright girl, who expected their Majesties to pass without
noticing her as she was wearing clogs, was surprised to hear the Queen
ask “I see you wear clogs. How do you like them?” “Oh they’re alright,”
replied the Lancashire lass. “Are they comfortable?” asked the Queen,
“Well yes, they are all right” was the qualifying answer. “Do you take
long walks in them?” finally inquired her Majesty. “Oh, plenty far
enough” was the honest answer, and the girl meaning the distance she had
to cover to and from her work. The King and Queen both enjoyed the
frankness of the girl.

When the foreman and forewomen were presented, His Majesty was always
ready with a question about the special process, which helped to put
them at ease.

A feature of the visit was the inspection of the Press house, where 6
inch shells were being forged. The 60 pounder bay, the hydraulic
department, the tool room, 9.2 department were in turn the objects of
interest – the girls turning copper bands with dexterity. The huge
travelling cranes lifted their burdens with ease, and in the stockyards
transporters were at work loading and unloading to and from wagons.

On the left there was a diversion, which reminded their Majesties that
many men broken in the War are yet striving to do their bit by sending
on the shells, which mean so much to the men in the front trenches –
especially when they have to go over the top. No fewer than 233 men were
drawn up in two columns, and between the ranks the King and Queen
walked. His Majesty kept his eye on the badges, and it revealed his
kindly feelings towards the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment when he
detected the badge. Corporal Philips, who had served with the second
battalion in India, and was wounded at Ypres, was the first to get a
word of encouragement. “I see you belonged to the King’s Own?” said the
King. “Yes, and proud of it, too,” replied the man. His Majesty asked
how he liked his work and he answered “It’s all right.” Another local
hero noticed was Sergeant R N Jackson, who was wearing the Military
Medal he earned by bravery in the field in the Second Battle of Ypres
two years ago when so many gallant Lancastrians made the supreme
sacrifice. His Majesty asked him which battalion he fought with and
seemed gratified to know that a Territorial had done so well in
resisting such a fierce Hun attack.

He commended several for their devotion to duty, and told others how he
admired the units to which they had served. One hero with his arm still
in a sling was the recipient of words of sympathy and praise from the
Queen, who hoped he might have strength given him to carry on the work
so which he is adapting himself. Sapper Smith Royal Engineers, whose
right eye was rendered useless during the fighting on the Ypres salient
last August, received a cheery word from the King, and others were
similarly greeted. Time was fleeing and their Majesties had to pass
through the shops quickly to get a glimpse of the canteens and dining
rooms. Here the Queen showed a kindly interest in the welfare of the
girls by inquiring as to how they partook of their meals. Miss F
Thistlethwaite (the forewoman) told her that thousands received meals
per day. The tables were adorned with lilies and daffodils, and sample
dishes were shown to her Majesty, who was informed that a plate of meat
cost 7d, sweets 2d, a round of toast a penny, and a glass of milk or
aerated water costs two pence. Queen Mary remarked “How beautifully
clean everything is – a tribute to the waitresses, which made their
complexions like dairymaids. Their Majesties signed the visitors’ book,
and before their departure submitted to the ubiquitous photographer for
cinematograph purposes.

At The Filling Factory

Before the completion of the inspection of the Factory the employees
ceased work for the day and flocked out into the new road, which at
places was densely crowded by an excited, cheering throng, many of them
in khaki overalls. When the Royal visitors emerged from the principal
gateway, the Works Band played the National Anthem, and the first verse
was sung and repeated by the large concourse of people before the
cortege moved away, the singing being followed by enthusiastic cheering.
Skerton Bridge was thickly lined on both sides by local townspeople, and
even along Morecambe Road and through Torrisholme, little groups of
people on the road sides voiced their enthusiasm by hearty cheers and
the waving of flags. Torrisholme was gay with flags and bunting, and
from this point to the entrance to the filling factory vari-coloured
streamers were hung across the road at frequent intervals, and the
cheering for a long distance was almost continuous. Near the entrance to
the Works the Morecambe elementary school children were massed, and,
under the conductorship of Mr M Stoddart, sang the National Anthem.
Everywhere there were cheering crowds. Inside the large gates near the
offices a place had been found for the wounded soldiers from the
Auxiliary Hospital at Morecambe, to whom his Majesty addressed a cheery
greeting. The executive buildings of this factory cover a floor area of
one million square feet, the total are with the boundaries being 400
acres. There are quite 150 buildings, many of them large and
substantial, yet the work of filling the shells was in full operation
within seven months after possession of the site was obtained. Messrs
Vickers were responsible for the planning of the factory, which, both in
its equipment and in the care taken of the health of the workers, stands
as a model for all similar undertakings. The buildings are arranged in
sequence, so that the material enters at one and passes from building to
building, through mechanical conveyors, never coming into the open air,
and arrives at the further end of the series a complete shell, ready for
the Front.

Manifestations of loyalty were begun at the gates, by hosts of girls,
clad in blue or khaki overalls, who thronged every avenue and open
space, and rushed from one coign of vantage to another, as the Royal
party passed along. Their enthusiastic cheering was augmented by syrens
of locomotives, and here and there groups of girls spontaneously sang
stanzas of the National Anthem. “Are we downhearted?” queried one khaki
clad maiden, the reply coming in a vociferous “No” from a hundred
voices, followed by renewed cheering. The King and Queen, passing
through the series of buildings, saw the powder dried, crushed, and
rammed into the shell by the little, active girls, inspected the final
application of hydraulic power in the explosive-proof rooms, and
witnessed also the stencilling on the completed shell, which seems to
have a literature of its own in explaining its contents to the gunners
at the Front. The painting department is an enormous building, and their
Majesties were much impressed with the immense rate at which the shells
were painted. One girl made a record by painting 54 in one hour, this
being partly due to the cleverness of the operator and partly to the
form of brush used. Attention was drawn to two accessories, the
Ambulance Room and the Laundry. In the latter the uniforms of the
workers are twice weekly washed, pressed and subjected to fire-resisting
mechanical treatment. There are, of course, extensive canteens for men
and women; and their Majesties were struck with another phase of the
situation. The spaces between all the buildings is being farmed, under a
market garden system, for the supply of food material for the district,
a total area of 100 acres being thus brought under cultivation.

The King and Queen about to have tea in one of the canteens, White Lund
Munitions Works.

Their Majesties were subsequently entertained to tea in one of the
canteens, which had been exquisitely fitted up, and florally decorated
by Mr Waters, manager of Messrs. Shand and Sons nurseries. In the
reception room a beautiful scheme had been carried out with pink
Chatenay roses, pink carnations and foliage and flowering plants; whilst
the tea room was decorated with roses, carnations, lilium, Harrisii,
ferns, and groups of palms and flowering plants. The Queen’s retiring
room was adorned with a large bowl of pink carnations; and vases of red
Richmond roses were place in the King’s retiring room. Before leaving
the factory a souvenir of the visit in the shape of a specially
constructed silver-plated shell, was presented to the King by whom it
was graciously accepted.

To Glasson Dock

There was tumultuous cheering by the employees as their Majesties left
the works, whilst the crowds which lined the road for more than a mile
outside the factory were most enthusiastic in their loyal
demonstrations. The Royal Party returned to Lancaster by way of
Morecambe Road, across Skerton Bridge, where there was again a large
concourse of people, and thence along Parliament Street, Rosemary Lane,
Great John Street, Thurnham Street and Ashton Road to Glasson Dock,
where their Majesties rejoined the Royal train. Their progress through
the town was marked by loyal manifestations all along the route, the
streets being lined with spectators, who cheered vociferously. Passing
the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, which the King and Queen opened when Duke
and Duchess of York in March 1896, the cars slowed down, and the nurses
and patients, who were assembled on the balconies saluted the Royal
occupants with hearty cheers. At various points along the route groups
of country people assembled and greeted the Royal visitors; whilst at
Glasson the villagers were most enthusiastic in their demonstrations.

Their Majesties spent the night in the Royal train, which had been
shunted to the terminals of the Glasson Dock branch of the London and
North Western line. They expressed delight as the exquisite views
obtainable across the Bay, of the Fylde district, and of course of the
river Lune. On Thursday morning the train left Glasson punctually at
8.45 and after a few minutes’ delay at the Castle Station, proceeded
direct to Barrow in continuation of the Royal Tour.

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